While Alzheimer’s is a fairly common disease, many facts pertaining to the condition still remain unknown to the general public. If you’re concerned about the possibility of your elderly loved one developing Alzheimer’s and want to learn more, here are some little-known facts that could impact the lives of seniors who are living with or are at risk for this disease.
1. Someone Is Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Every 68 Seconds
One out of every nine people over the age of 65 will develop Alzheimer’s. In the United States, more than five million seniors are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By the year 2050, medical experts believe a person over the age of 65 will develop this disease every 33 seconds. This is likely because more people are living longer.
If your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, help is just a phone call away. For reliable Alzheimer’s care, Portland families can turn to Align Home Care Services. We are a leading provider of professional memory care designed to help seniors maintain a higher quality of life. In addition to Alzheimer’s care, we also provide comprehensive dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care. From revolutionary care programs to compassionate and dedicated caregivers, we can meet all of your Alzheimer’s care needs.
2. Diagnosing the Disease Is Difficult
More than half of the individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease are unaware they have it. This happens because the disease is difficult to diagnose during its early stages. As doctors discover more methods to diagnose Alzheimer’s, the percentage of seniors who remain undiagnosed will decrease.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Align Home Care Services, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
3. Alzheimer’s Isn’t Exclusive to Seniors
While many people believe only seniors over the age of 65 will be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, this isn’t true. The disease affects 5 percent of people under the age of 65. While the early-onset variety of Alzheimer’s can develop when people are in their 30s, it’s more likely to appear in their 40s and 50s. Most cases where Alzheimer’s symptoms appear early are caused by a genetic component.
4. Life Expectancy Is Unknown
The time it takes for Alzheimer’s disease to progress varies from person to person, which makes it nearly impossible for doctors to give seniors a timetable pertaining to how long they’ll live with the disease. Generally, the sooner a person is diagnosed with the disease, the higher his or her chances of living longer will be. Therefore, it’s important your elderly loved one receives treatment as soon as possible after a diagnosis.
With the increased popularity of aging in place, 80 percent of seniors are receiving care in their homes instead of going to nursing home facilities. This helps seniors ease the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, showing how much of an impact home care can have on quality of life.
Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Align Home Care Services is a leading Portland home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. Call us at (207) 835-3490 to learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans.